0654.P3.4.03 — Determine the speed of sound in air using a 10 Know that, in general, sound travels faster in method involving a measurement of distance sol: past paper questions
Real questions on 0654.p3.4.03 — determine the speed of sound in air using a 10 know that, in general, sound travels faster in method involving a measurement of distance sol
The newest 8 of 8 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0973/32 · May/June 2025 · Q10a(ii)[2]
The scientist hears a loud sound of frequency 25 Hz. Calculate the speed of this sound in air. speed = m / s The sound has a wavelength of 14 m.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2023 · Q3b(iii)[1]
Use your answer to (b)(ii) to calculate the distance between the sea floor and the submarine. distance = m
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2022 · Q3b(iii)[3]
A student determines the speed of sound in air. State the two measurements that she makes. Describe how she uses these measurements to calculate the speed of sound. measurements description of calculation
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2021 · Q9b(iii)[2]
The speed of sound in air is 340 m / s. Calculate the time taken for a sound wave to travel 85 m. time = s
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2020 · Q9b(i)[1]
Explain why the photographer sees the lightning before he hears the thunder.
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2019 · Q6b(i)[1]
Suggest a value for the speed of sound through water. Explain your answer. speed of sound in water = m / s explanation
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2019 · Q6b(ii)[2]
Calculate the time difference between a sound travelling 0.50 km through air and 0.50 km through steel rails. Show your working. time difference = s
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2019 · Q6b(iii)[2]
The train emits sound waves with a frequency of 500 Hz which travel through the air at a speed of 330 m / s. Calculate the wavelength of these waves. Show your working. wavelength = m
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Candidates who selected the correct equation for speed successfully completed the calculation. However, some tried to use the speed = distance / time equation without success.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/32 Q10(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
There were many good suggestions for the speed of sound in water, with explanations placing the value between that of air and steel or describing its dependence on the physical properties of solids, liquids and gases.
— Examiner report, May/June 2019, 0973/41 Q6(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Most candidates attempted to calculate the difference between the times taken for sound to travel through each medium. Difficulties were apparent in rearranging the formula v = x / t and in converting km to m.
— Examiner report, May/June 2019, 0973/41 Q6(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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